Christopher Pickering Primary School serves the Anlaby Park area of Hull as a cornerstone of the local community. Housed in The Compass, a purpose-built facility shared with a children’s centre and a specialist sports hall, the school offers a modern environment for its 420 pupils. The most recent academic data places the school in the top 10% of primaries in England (FindMySchool ranking), reflecting a consistent upward trajectory in performance.
Jane Marson has served as Headteacher since 2013, providing stable and ambitious leadership. The school operates as part of the Humber Education Trust, joining in September 2017. With an Outstanding rating from its most recent full Ofsted inspection in June 2023, Christopher Pickering has established itself as one of the highest performing primary schools in the Hull region.
The atmosphere at Christopher Pickering is defined by a sense of purpose and mutual respect. The school motto, Be the best you can be!, permeates all aspects of school life. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning from an early age, supported by a staff team that prioritises emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress.
The Compass building provides a bright, airy setting that feels far removed from traditional Victorian school corridors. Shared community spaces mean that pupils often see the school as part of a wider support network. The presence of a hearing impaired resource base and the co-location with Ganton Special School adds a unique layer of inclusivity. This arrangement fosters an empathetic environment where pupils understand and celebrate difference as a standard part of their school experience.
The 2024 KS2 results tell a story of significant academic success. At Christopher Pickering, 84% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is substantially higher than the England average of 61%.
Ranked 530th in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 2nd among all primary schools in Hull, the school sits within the elite tier of performance. The depth of achievement is particularly visible in the higher standards; 43% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%.
The reading scaled score of 111 and mathematics score of 109 both exceed England averages. These figures indicate that the school is not just meeting basic requirements but is successfully pushing a large proportion of its cohort toward high scores.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
83.67%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Teaching at Christopher Pickering is structured and ambitious. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and often exceeds the expectations of the national curriculum. For example, older pupils study complex topics such as carbon footprints and sustainability in farming. Specialist teaching is used effectively, particularly in physical education.
The school’s approach to reading is a clear strength. Systematic synthetic phonics begins in the nursery and carries through the early years. In the older year groups, the focus shifts to critical analysis and comprehension, evidenced by the 60% of pupils who achieved a high score in reading in 2024.
Mathematics is taught using a mastery approach, focusing on deep understanding. The inclusion of special classes for pupils with additional needs ensures that the curriculum is accessible to all, with interventions such as "review and revise" teaching provided on the same day for those who need extra support.
The school provides integrated nursery provision for children from age three. Early years practitioners focus on language development and social skills, preparing children for a smooth transition into Reception. The nursery environment is designed to encourage independent play and discovery, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning.
Nursery fees are not published directly; for current details and session availability, parents should visit the school website. Government funded hours are available for eligible families; see the official guide to nursery funding for further information.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Extracurricular life is vibrant and closely linked to the school’s community ties. Pupils widely attend a diverse range of after-school clubs.
Specific clubs and activities include:
Reflecting the school's inclusive resource base.
Focusing on digital literacy and robotics.
Encouraging strategic thinking and creativity.
Older pupils can apply for scholarships to experience wider sporting opportunities beyond the school site.
Annual residential trips for older pupils help to build resilience and independence.
Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s Outstanding Ofsted judgement. The school employs a dedicated wellbeing team that works with both pupils and families. This includes a strong safeguarding culture where staff prioritise child welfare.
The presence of specialist units on-site means that staff are exceptionally well trained in inclusive practices. Behaviour is managed through a positive reinforcement system that focuses on the school values. Pupils report feeling safe and valued, and inspectors noted that bullying is non-existent.
Christopher Pickering is an oversubscribed school. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 81 applications for 57 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.42. This means that for every place available, nearly one and a half families applied.
All applications are coordinated by Hull City Council. Priority is given to looked after children and those with specific medical or social needs, followed by siblings and then those living within the catchment area. The deadline for 2026 entry is 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous entry patterns.
Applications
81
Total received
Places Offered
57
Subscription Rate
1.4x
Apps per place
The majority of pupils transition to Sirius Academy West, which shares the Compass site. This physical proximity allows for a strong transition programme, with Year 6 pupils regularly visiting the academy. A smaller number of pupils move on to other local secondary schools in Hull. The school’s high academic standards ensure that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:20pm. Doors open at 8:40am and pupils need to be in by 8:45am. Wraparound care is available through a Breakfast Club starting at 7:30am (flat price of £2.00) and an After-School Club that runs until 5:30pm. The school is located at The Compass on Burnham Road, and parents are encouraged to use sustainable transport where possible.
As a state-funded academy, Christopher Pickering Primary School does not charge tuition fees. Basic school supplies are provided, though parents are expected to cover the cost of the school uniform.
Financial assistance is available for specific activities:
Christopher Pickering Primary School is an academic powerhouse that has successfully maintained a warm, inclusive heart. It manages to deliver results that sit in the top tier of schools in England while remaining a genuine community school. It is best suited to families who value both high academic achievement and a modern, inclusive environment. The primary challenge for prospective families is the high demand for places.
Yes, it is considered excellent. The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in June 2023. KS2 results consistently exceed England averages, with 84% of pupils meeting expected standards in 2024. The school ranks in the top 10% of primaries in England.
Applications must be made through Hull City Council's coordinated admissions scheme. The deadline for 2026 entry is 15 January 2026. Because the school is oversubscribed, it is important to list it as your first preference and check the distance criteria carefully.
Yes, the school has an on-site nursery for children aged three and over. It focuses on early literacy and social skills, often providing a direct pathway into the school's Reception classes.
The school offers a Breakfast Club from 7:30am (£2.00 flat fee) and an After-School Club until 5:30pm. These must be booked and paid for in advance via the school’s booking system.
The school is highly regarded for its SEN provision and inclusion. It features resource bases for hearing impaired pupils and works closely with Ganton Special School on the same site to ensure all children can thrive.
Get in touch with the school directly
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